Huge potential to boost food, beverages exports to UAE: TPCI

New Delhi: There is huge potential to boost exports of food and beverages from India to UAE, as India's outbound shipments of these products to the Middle East nation stood at only USD 3.6 billion against their imports of USD 22 billion, the Trade Promotion Council of India (TPCI) said on Wednesday.

India's food and beverages exports to UAE increased from USD 2.3 billion in 2021 to USD 3.6 billion in 2025, showing a four-year CAGR of 11.3 per cent.

The total imports from the sector in UAE is about USD 22 billion in 2025.


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The data reflects both growing demand in the UAE market and the strengthening of India's position as a reliable supplier of staples, processed foods, meat products, beverages, and agricultural commodities, it said.

TPCI Chairman Mohit Singla said that UAE is among the world's most food import-dependent countries, importing almost 85 to 90 per cent of its needs and relying heavily on imported food products to meet consumer demand.

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"India is widely regarded as one of the UAE's most dependable food suppliers with almost 10 per cent market share. With the strengthening of India-UAE trade ties and growing investments in food processing, logistics, and quality systems, India is well-positioned to further expand its share in the UAE's food and beverage import market while reinforcing its reputation as a reliable and compliant supplier," he said.

On May 1, 2022 the two countries implemented a free trade agreement.

In a bid to connect markets, strengthen supply chains and unlock global food trade opportunities, Abu Dhabi Food Hub, along with supporting MoU partner TPCI, launched the Indo-Food Park in Mumbai on May 19.

Indo-Food Park is envisioned as a dedicated platform for Indian food companies looking to expand their access to the UAE, and other countries of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) bloc, and wider international markets.

"The idea is to connect the Indian suppliers and manufacturers to the Abu Dhabi Food Hub," it added.

Abu Dhabi Food Hub is a next-generation integrated ecosystem for food trading and logistics.

It serves as a one-stop platform connecting producers, traders, logistics providers, and regulators across global markets.